Volunteer roles for the Housing and Homelessness sector

Guardian Light Foundation

Location: Remote
Commitment: Flexible – approx. 20 hours per month
Role Type: Volunteer
Reports to: Board of directors

�� About Guardian Light Foundation

Guardian Light Foundation exists to protect, support, and empower children, teenagers, and single-parent families facing homelessness, abuse, and extreme hardship.

Many of the individuals we serve are navigating complex legal situations while already dealing with trauma, fear, and instability. Access to safe, ethical, and compassionate legal advice can be life-changing — and that’s where you come in.

⚖️ About the Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Solicitor with experience in family law, safeguarding, or domestic abuse-related legal matters to provide initial legal guidance, signposting, and referrals to vulnerable individuals supported by Guardian Light Foundation.

This role is advisory and supportive, not high-volume casework. Your expertise will help people understand their rights, options, and next steps at critical moments in their lives.

�� Focus Areas

�� Children’s Arrangements

• Custody and contact arrangements

• Child safeguarding concerns

• Schooling and parental responsibility guidance

• Early advice on family court processes

��️ Domestic Violence Injunctions

• Non-molestation orders

• Occupation orders

• Restraining orders

• Emergency protection guidance and referrals

��‍�� Single-Parent Legal Support

• Family court guidance

• Child maintenance advice

• Housing rights and homelessness-related legal signposting

• Referrals to specialist legal services where appropriate

�� What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing initial legal advice and guidance (not ongoing representation)

• Supporting safeguarding decisions where legal insight is required

• Advising on urgent legal options in high-risk situations

• Signposting individuals to appropriate external legal services

• Working closely with GLF’s safeguarding and support teams

• Maintaining clear professional boundaries and ethical practice

��️ Safeguarding & Compliance

Because this role supports vulnerable individuals:

• An Enhanced Volunteer DBS Check is required

• DBS checks are conducted via our trusted partner Serve (Rushden)

• All work must align with GLF’s safeguarding policies

• Confidentiality and GDPR compliance are essential

�� Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

• Qualified UK Solicitor (or equivalent legal professional)

• Experience in family law, domestic abuse, or child safeguarding

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice

• Ability to explain legal concepts clearly and compassionately

• Commitment to ethical and client-centred practice

• Solicitor must hold - Their own Professional Indemnity Insurance and/or Public Liability Insurance cover

Desirable:

• Experience working with charities or vulnerable populations

• Knowledge of housing or homelessness law

• Familiarity with referral pathways and support services

�� Who We’re Looking For

You are someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for protecting children and families

• Believes access to justice should never depend on income

• Can balance professionalism with empathy

• Understands the emotional impact of legal uncertainty

• Wants to use their expertise to create real social impact

⏰ Time Commitment

• Approx. 20 hours per month

• Flexible scheduling

• Fully remote

�� What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to make a direct, meaningful impact

• Professional fulfilment through purpose-led legal work

• Recognition and appreciation within a growing social enterprise

• Networking with professionals across counselling, housing, and social care

• Opportunity to join an Advisory Board or Board of Directors as the organisation grows

Do you enjoy organising, sorting, and bringing order to busy spaces? Our Goods Sorting Volunteer role is a vital way to make a real difference behind the scenes and to the people we serve. 

At Wycombe Homeless Connection, we are fortunate to receive generous donations of food, clothing, and essential items from individuals and groups in our community. These items are part of our emergency response for people experiencing a housing crisis, including those who are homeless. They are given out to help people get through immediate, difficult situations and meet basic needs with dignity.

Keeping everything sorted, stocked, and easy to access means we can respond quickly when someone needs urgent support and that’s where you come in.

Our goods sorting team meets regularly to process donations, organise storage areas, and make sure our emergency supplies are ready to go when they are needed most.

What you’ll be doing

• Sorting donations by type, size, and best-before dates. 
• Emptying, labelling, and refilling storage boxes. 
• Organising cupboards and storage areas so emergency items are easy to find. 
• Helping keep spaces tidy, clear, and well organised. 
• Occasionally transporting surplus items to charity shops or other locations.

What the role is like

This is a practical, hands-on role where small tasks make a real difference to people in urgent need. A well-organised shelf or clearly labelled box can mean someone in a housing crisis gets essential support quickly.

You’ll be working alongside a friendly team of volunteers, sharing tasks, chatting as you go, and helping keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Who this role suits

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Enjoys organising, sorting, and tidying. 
• Likes working as part of a team. 
• Is organised and able to work efficiently. 
• Is comfortable with light physical activity, including moving boxes and goods.

What we offer

You’ll receive full induction and role-specific training so you feel confident and supported from day one. Wycombe Homeless Connection is an award-winning charity with a small, experienced team working closely with dedicated volunteers who make this work possible.

Without volunteers, we simply couldn’t do what we do.

When you’ll volunteer

10:00am – 12:30pm, one Wednesday per month

Flexible, occasional commitment based on your availability

Interested?

If you’d like to find out more, we’d love to hear from you.

Easy Housing Association (EHA) is a mission-driven Registered Social Landlord (RSL), committed to delivering safe, secure, and affordable homes for those who need them most. We are strengthening our Board of Trustees at an important moment for the organisation, and are seeking experienced, strategic individuals to join us across four specialist areas: supported housing operations, finance and viability, governance and charity law, and health & safety/compliance.

As a trustee, you will provide high level oversight, advise, challenge, and support EHA's leadership, and help us meet our legal obligations, protect tenant wellbeing, and maintain long-term sustainability, including through the regulatory improvement work set out below.

About Easy Housing Association and the Current Regulatory Position

Easy Housing Association (EHA) is a registered provider of social housing, regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). In July 2025, RSH issued an Enforcement Notice concluding that EHA had not met the Governance and Financial Viability Standard and required EHA to commission an independent appraisal and deliver a board-approved action plan to address the issues identified.

As part of this process, RSH has made statutory appointments to EHA's Board to strengthen governance capacity, and EHA is separately recruiting an Interim Manager with statutory powers under the Enforcement Notice. EHA is committed to full transparency with RSH and to delivering the improvements required.

We are recruiting additional Non-Executive Directors as part of this strengthening of the Board. This is a genuine opportunity to bring specialist expertise to an organisation actively working through a defined improvement journey, with the backing and support of an engaged, RSH-appointed board and executive team. Candidates should be comfortable operating in a regulated, enforcement environment and bring the independence and rigour that context requires.

Time commitment

Trustees are expected to attend monthly board meetings (approximately 2.5 hours online) and commit an additional 4 hours per month to board-related duties, including reading papers, joining sub-committees, or contributing expertise.

What you’ll gain

• A high-impact role in a values-led, tenant-focused RSL
• Opportunities to shape policy, compliance, and social impact
• Professional development in governance, housing, and regulation
• The fulfilment of helping improve lives through safe, secure housing

EHA is proud to be an inclusive and tenant-focused RSL. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds especially those with lived experience of social housing.

NED — Health & Safety / Compliance

Non‑Executive Status: This is a non‑executive, governance‑only role. The postholder provides oversight and assurance but does not participate in operational management.

Purpose: Provide specialist oversight of health & safety, building safety, compliance, and assurance frameworks.

This role provides essential assurance on statutory safety compliance, an area of specific regulatory focus for EHA at present.

Core Responsibilities:

· Provide assurance on compliance with H&S, fire safety, gas, electrical, and building safety

· Scrutinise compliance data, certification, and audit findings

· Strengthen risk management and assurance frameworks

· Support development of compliance KPIs and reporting

· Provide challenge on safety culture and resident safety

Essential Skills:

· Senior experience in H&S or compliance in housing or regulated sectors

· Strong understanding of safety certification and audit processes

· Ability to scrutinise technical compliance information

Desirable:

· Experience commissioning external assurance

Easy Housing Association (EHA) is a mission-driven Registered Social Landlord (RSL), committed to delivering safe, secure, and affordable homes for those who need them most. We are strengthening our Board of Trustees at an important moment for the organisation, and are seeking experienced, strategic individuals to join us across four specialist areas: supported housing operations, finance and viability, governance and charity law, and health & safety/compliance.

As a trustee, you will provide high level oversight, advise, challenge, and support EHA's leadership, and help us meet our legal obligations, protect tenant wellbeing, and maintain long-term sustainability, including through the regulatory improvement work set out below.

About Easy Housing Association and the Current Regulatory Position

Easy Housing Association (EHA) is a registered provider of social housing, regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). In July 2025, RSH issued an Enforcement Notice concluding that EHA had not met the Governance and Financial Viability Standard and required EHA to commission an independent appraisal and deliver a board-approved action plan to address the issues identified.

As part of this process, RSH has made statutory appointments to EHA's Board to strengthen governance capacity, and EHA is separately recruiting an Interim Manager with statutory powers under the Enforcement Notice. EHA is committed to full transparency with RSH and to delivering the improvements required.

We are recruiting additional Non-Executive Directors as part of this strengthening of the Board. This is a genuine opportunity to bring specialist expertise to an organisation actively working through a defined improvement journey, with the backing and support of an engaged, RSH-appointed board and executive team. Candidates should be comfortable operating in a regulated, enforcement environment and bring the independence and rigour that context requires.

Time commitment

Trustees are expected to attend monthly board meetings (approximately 2.5 hours online) and commit an additional 4 hours per month to board-related duties, including reading papers, joining sub-committees, or contributing expertise.

What you’ll gain

• A high-impact role in a values-led, tenant-focused RSL
• Opportunities to shape policy, compliance, and social impact
• Professional development in governance, housing, and regulation
• The fulfilment of helping improve lives through safe, secure housing

EHA is proud to be an inclusive and tenant-focused RSL. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds especially those with lived experience of social housing.

NED — Governance & Charity Law

Non‑Executive Status: This is a non‑executive, governance‑only role. The postholder provides oversight and assurance but does not participate in operational management.

Purpose: Strengthen governance, regulatory compliance, and charity law oversight, ensuring EHA meets RSH and Charity Commission expectations.

This role directly supports EHA's governance improvement work, including its response to an ongoing Charity Commission matter, and requires a candidate comfortable providing rigorous, independent challenge.

Core Responsibilities:

· Provide assurance on governance frameworks, CC11, conflicts, and probity

· Support Board effectiveness, succession planning, and compliance

· Advise on charity law, constitutional matters, and regulatory reporting

· Strengthen oversight of policies, delegations, and decision‑making

· Provide scrutiny of governance risks

Essential Skills:

· Strong governance and charity law experience

· Knowledge of CC3, CC11, and regulatory expectations

· Experience supporting Boards through improvement or regulatory engagement

Desirable:

· Experience with Charity Commission investigations

Easy Housing Association (EHA) is a mission-driven Registered Social Landlord (RSL), committed to delivering safe, secure, and affordable homes for those who need them most. We are strengthening our Board of Trustees at an important moment for the organisation, and are seeking experienced, strategic individuals to join us across four specialist areas: supported housing operations, finance and viability, governance and charity law, and health & safety/compliance.

As a trustee, you will provide high level oversight, advise, challenge, and support EHA's leadership, and help us meet our legal obligations, protect tenant wellbeing, and maintain long-term sustainability, including through the regulatory improvement work set out below.

About Easy Housing Association and the Current Regulatory Position

Easy Housing Association (EHA) is a registered provider of social housing, regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). In July 2025, RSH issued an Enforcement Notice concluding that EHA had not met the Governance and Financial Viability Standard and required EHA to commission an independent appraisal and deliver a board-approved action plan to address the issues identified.

As part of this process, RSH has made statutory appointments to EHA's Board to strengthen governance capacity, and EHA is separately recruiting an Interim Manager with statutory powers under the Enforcement Notice. EHA is committed to full transparency with RSH and to delivering the improvements required.

We are recruiting additional Non-Executive Directors as part of this strengthening of the Board. This is a genuine opportunity to bring specialist expertise to an organisation actively working through a defined improvement journey, with the backing and support of an engaged, RSH-appointed board and executive team. Candidates should be comfortable operating in a regulated, enforcement environment and bring the independence and rigour that context requires.

Time commitment

Trustees are expected to attend monthly board meetings (approximately 2.5 hours online) and commit an additional 4 hours per month to board-related duties, including reading papers, joining sub-committees, or contributing expertise.

What you’ll gain

• A high-impact role in a values-led, tenant-focused RSL
• Opportunities to shape policy, compliance, and social impact
• Professional development in governance, housing, and regulation
• The fulfilment of helping improve lives through safe, secure housing

EHA is proud to be an inclusive and tenant-focused RSL. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds especially those with lived experience of social housing.

NED — Finance & Viability

Non‑Executive Status: This is a non‑executive, governance‑only role. The postholder provides oversight and assurance but does not participate in operational management.

Purpose: Provide financial oversight, long‑term viability assurance, and scrutiny of financial controls, modelling, and risk.

This role sits at the centre of EHA's response to the Governance and Financial Viability Standard findings and is one of the most critical appointments to the Board at this time.

Core Responsibilities:

· Oversee long‑term financial planning, stress testing, and reforecasting

· Provide assurance on financial viability and regulatory compliance

· Scrutinise budgets, cashflow, and financial controls

· Support treasury management and value‑for‑money oversight

· Strengthen financial risk management

Essential Skills:

· Senior finance experience in housing or regulated sectors

· Strong understanding of long‑term financial modelling

· Experience with RSH Financial Viability Standard

Desirable:

· Accountancy qualification

Easy Housing Association (EHA) is a mission-driven Registered Social Landlord (RSL), committed to delivering safe, secure, and affordable homes for those who need them most. We are strengthening our Board of Trustees at an important moment for the organisation, and are seeking experienced, strategic individuals to join us across four specialist areas: supported housing operations, finance and viability, governance and charity law, and health & safety/compliance.

As a trustee, you will provide high level oversight, advise, challenge, and support EHA's leadership, and help us meet our legal obligations, protect tenant wellbeing, and maintain long-term sustainability, including through the regulatory improvement work set out below.

About Easy Housing Association and the Current Regulatory Position

Easy Housing Association (EHA) is a registered provider of social housing, regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). In July 2025, RSH issued an Enforcement Notice concluding that EHA had not met the Governance and Financial Viability Standard and required EHA to commission an independent appraisal and deliver a board-approved action plan to address the issues identified.

As part of this process, RSH has made statutory appointments to EHA's Board to strengthen governance capacity, and EHA is separately recruiting an Interim Manager with statutory powers under the Enforcement Notice. EHA is committed to full transparency with RSH and to delivering the improvements required.

We are recruiting additional Non-Executive Directors as part of this strengthening of the Board. This is a genuine opportunity to bring specialist expertise to an organisation actively working through a defined improvement journey, with the backing and support of an engaged, RSH-appointed board and executive team. Candidates should be comfortable operating in a regulated, enforcement environment and bring the independence and rigour that context requires.

Time commitment

Trustees are expected to attend monthly board meetings (approximately 2.5 hours online) and commit an additional 4 hours per month to board-related duties, including reading papers, joining sub-committees, or contributing expertise.

What you’ll gain

• A high-impact role in a values-led, tenant-focused RSL
• Opportunities to shape policy, compliance, and social impact
• Professional development in governance, housing, and regulation
• The fulfilment of helping improve lives through safe, secure housing

EHA is proud to be an inclusive and tenant-focused RSL. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds especially those with lived experience of social housing.

1. NED — Supported Housing Specialist

Non‑Executive Status: This is a non‑executive, governance‑only role. The postholder provides oversight and assurance but does not participate in operational management.

Purpose: Provide specialist oversight of supported housing operations, leasing models, compliance, and contract management to ensure EHA meets regulatory expectations and delivers safe, high‑quality services.

This role is particularly important as EHA strengthens operational assurance and service delivery oversight as part of its regulatory improvement plan.

Core Responsibilities:

· Provide assurance on supported housing operations, voids, occupancy, and service delivery

· Advise on leasing models, contract structures, and local authority commissioning

· Strengthen oversight of repairs, compliance, and resident experience

· Support development of operational KPIs and performance monitoring

· Provide scrutiny of operational risks and mitigations

Essential Skills:

· Senior experience in supported housing operations

· Knowledge of leasing models, compliance, and contract management

· Understanding of local authority commissioning

· Ability to challenge constructively and independently

Desirable:

· Experience with supported needs, or specialist accommodation

Role Purpose:

Trustees provide strategic leadership, ensuring that St. George's Crypt fulfils its charitable objectives, makes a postive impact in the Leeds community, and remains financially sustainable. Trustees act collectively to safeguard the charity's values, reputation, and long-term effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

Governance & Strategic Leadership

• set and review the charity's strategic direction in alignment with its mission to support homeless and vulnerable individuals in Leeds
• ensure that all activiites deliver public benefit and comply with charity law, the governing document, and regulatory expectations
• monitor risks and ensure that robust governance structures are in place
• support and review the work of the Head of Finance and finance team
• oversee the external audit process, from appointment of auditors to implementation of any recommendations

Financial Oversight:

• oversee financial performance, ensuring funds are used responsibly and transparently in line with donor expectations and regulatory requirements
• review budgets, annual accounts, and financial policies, ensuring sustainability of services such as emergency shelter, addiction recovery programmes and meal supervision
• ensure effective oversight of the Crypt's financial affairs and its financial viability

Support for Senior Leadership

• provide guidance and constructive challenge to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team
• ensure leadership decisions reflect the charity's values and strategic propositions

Advocacy & Representation

• ​act as an ambassador for St. George's Crypt within Leeds and beyond, promoting awareness of its services and impact
• represent the charity's values of compassion, dignity and hope 

Compliance & Accountability

• ensure the charity meets all legal and regulatory obligations, including those set by the Charity Commission
• uphold confidentiality, ethics, and good governance practice at all times
• ensure the Crypt fulfils its mission and values, taking advantage of new opportunities and navigating challenges and managing risks appropriately
• ensure the Crypt has sound financial policies, controls and governance in place, and complies with these

Monitoring Impact

• evaluate the effectiveness of programmes such as residential support, training opportunities, and health and wellbeing initiatives
• ensure all services remain responsive to the needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Leeds
• give clear strategic direction, setting overall policy and goals, and monitoring progress and impact
• understand the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) and provide guidance on accounting and financial reporting for the charity

How to apply

To make an application, please:

• download our Finance Trustee application pack 
• complete application form
• send CV 
• contact Martin Barry 

Recruitment timeline

Closing date: Monday 31 August  2026

Shortlisting & Interviews: September 2026

As part of the Government led Communities for Afghans programme, we are looking to recruit individuals or groups (UK BASED ONLY) to make up a team of 6 volunteers to support an Afghan family - you could be friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations are welcome.

We are currently focused on supporting families across Wales, West Midlands and Scotland but be keen to support elsewhere geographically where possible.  With this in mind, you may live in these areas, but we are also delighted to bring volunteers together remotely to support a family. 

You will be at the heart of this programme. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference!

The Communities for Afghans programme is a community-led Government initiative supporting families as they rebuild their lives in the UK. It is a Government-approved scheme that enables local people to welcome Afghan refugee families into their community. Volunteers will be supported by us to find housing for a family, provide practical and emotional support enabling them to settle into daily life and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the community.

How community sponsorship work

1. Form a Sponsor Group: Create a team of six or more volunteers — friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations.
2. Training & Ongoing Support: Our partners provide full training, so your group feels confident and well prepared. This simple, practical training is offered before you begin and continues throughout the sponsorship journey.
3. Identify Suitable Housing: With our guidance, your group helps find long-term accommodation. We then match an Afghan family of the appropriate size and ensure the property is suitable and affordable. Government funding is available for rent deposits and related costs.
4. Welcome & Support the Family: Volunteers help the family register with schools, healthcare, benefits, and local services, while introducing them to the community and supporting them as they adjust to life in the UK.
5. Be the Local Point of Contact: You act as the family’s trusted guide, helping them navigate the area, understand local systems, and access opportunities that only residents truly know.
6. Commit for Three Years: Sponsor groups support the family for three years, providing consistency as they grow in independence, confidence, and resilience.

Why Your Support Matters

Volunteering through Community Sponsorship is a powerful act of solidarity. You are not only helping one family — you are strengthening your entire community.

Your support helps families: 

• Rebuild their lives in safety and dignity
• Access education, healthcare, and employment
• Learn English and integrate into the community
• Become confident and independent

And your community benefits:

• Stronger local connections
• Celebrated diversity
• Practical meaningful humanitarian action

Full training and expenses covered.

130 Primrose is a charity restaurant in Primrose Hill using hospitality as a vehicle for change- recruiting, training and employing people with lived experience of homelessness.

In just 12 months, we’ve already supported individuals into paid work, qualifications, and long-term employment pathways. Now, we’re entering an exciting growth phase, with ambitions to scale our model to new sites and reach significantly more people. 

We’re seeking a Strategic Finance Trustee to join our board and help guide this next stage- bringing commercial insight, financial clarity, and strategic challenge as we grow.

About the Role

This is a strategic, non-operational trustee position for a senior finance leader who can translate financial insight into clear, practical decision-making.

You’ll work closely with the Chair, CEO, and Board to ensure our model is financially sustainable, scalable, and impactful- supporting both our social mission and our trading activity.

Our model combines earned income (restaurant operations) with social impact, making financial leadership a critical lever for success.

What You’ll Do

• Support the Board on financial strategy, planning, and risk oversight
• Challenge and refine forecasting and cashflow planning (12–36 months)
• Strengthen financial visibility (P&L, balance sheet, cash) for operational teams
• Advise on unit economics, including menu margins, labour model, and cost control
• Improve budgeting, KPIs, and scenario modelling to support growth (e.g. new sites)
• Contribute to funding strategy, including grants, partnerships, and social investment
• Help establish and potentially chair a Finance & Risk Committee
• Ensure strong governance, compliance, and financial controls
• Act as a critical friend- supporting and constructively challenging leadership

About You

We’re looking for a senior finance leader (e.g. CFO, Finance Director, or equivalent) who brings:

• Significant experience leading financial strategy within complex organisations
• Strong understanding of forecasting, cashflow, and scenario planning
• Ability to translate financial complexity into clear, actionable insight
• A commercial mindset with empathy for social impact
• Experience of governance and working at board or executive level

Desirable:

• Experience in hospitality, multi-site operations, or customer-led businesses
• Exposure to social enterprise, scaling organisations, or blended income models

Time Commitment

• Approx. 1–2 days per month
• Monthly board meetings (hybrid, typically evenings)
• Quarterly Finance & Risk Committee meetings
• Occasional ad hoc support and review of papers
• Initial term: 3 years (renewable)

Why Join Us?

• Shape the growth of a high-potential, mission-led organisation
• Apply your expertise to a scalable social enterprise model
• Join a committed, ambitious, and values-driven board
• Play a direct role in helping people rebuild their lives through work
• Contribute to changing perceptions of homelessness through employment

Apply

Please submit:

• Your CV
• A short cover note (max 500 words) outlining your interest and relevant experience

About Trans Legal Clinic 

The Trans Legal Clinic is the first trans-led specialist gender identity legal practice and registered charity in the UK. The mission of the Trans Legal Clinic is simple; we provide free and accessible legal help to transgender and non-binary people in need. Our overarching vision is a society where all people have access to the legal resources required for gender self-determination and where gender diversity is not just accepted but embraced, with trans* people equipped with the necessary legal tools to navigate the world in their affirmed gender. 

What you’ll be doing 

The Casework department is the core of our organisation. The department helps clients across four key themes: Housing and Homelessness, Discrimination, Gender Recognition, Gender-Based Violence 

As a caseworker, you will work directly with clients by offering them support and advocacy.With support from our lead caseworkers, you will help progress cases by providing legal guidance, signposting clients to resources, writing letters, and other administrative support. It is a dynamic environment with truly rewarding work. Full training will be provided. 

About you 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with good communication and organisation skills to support the transgender community. Volunteering and administrative experience is beneficial but not essential. We are particularly interested in applications from people interested or studying law.

Volunteer Coordinator

Key Information

• Location: Windsor, Berkshire
• Working Pattern: Office-based
• Hours: Two days per week (9.00am–5.00pm, flexible)
• Contract Type: Voluntary
• Expenses: Agreed reasonable expenses reimbursed and laptop provided

About Us

The Almshouse Association is the national membership body representing almshouse charities across England and Wales and supporting the wider charitable housing sector. As part of this work, we support the Charity Housing Alliance (CHA), a growing network of charitable housing providers, housing trusts and not-for-profit housing organisations.

The Charity Housing Alliance works with members, partners and policymakers to raise awareness of the vital contribution charitable housing providers make to communities, while advocating for greater recognition and support for the sector.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to support a growing national initiative that is helping to shape the future of charitable housing.

Working closely with The Almshouse Association and Charity Housing Alliance leadership team, you'll play an important role in supporting membership engagement, communications, research and administration. You'll help build relationships across the sector, strengthen the Alliance's network, and support activities that raise the profile of charitable housing providers at both local and national level.

This is a varied and rewarding opportunity for someone who is organised, proactive and enjoys working collaboratively. Whether you're looking to develop new skills, broaden your knowledge of the housing and charity sectors, or use your existing experience to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Membership Engagement & Development

• Respond to enquiries from members, stakeholders and supporters.
• Support initiatives to grow and strengthen the Alliance's network.
• Assist with outreach to potential members and partners.
• Help welcome and engage new members.
• Encourage participation and engagement across the network.

Communications & Awareness Raising

• Support the management of the Charity Housing Alliance website.
• Assist with social media activity and awareness campaigns.
• Contribute to newsletters, member communications and promotional materials.
• Monitor sector developments and identify opportunities to promote the Alliance's work.

Research & Policy Support

• Research policy, legislation and developments affecting charitable housing.
• Support the collection of case studies and sector insights.
• Monitor consultations, funding opportunities and sector announcements.
• Research new partnerships and opportunities for the Alliance.

Administration & Coordination

• Provide day-to-day administrative support.
• Organise meetings, events, webinars and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Maintain records and contact databases.
• Assist with reports, presentations and briefing papers.

About You

Essential

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence communicating via telephone, email and online platforms.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and use your initiative.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Interest in housing, charities, social impact, membership organisations or public policy.
• Enthusiastic, proactive and willing to learn.

Desirable

• Experience working or volunteering within the charity, housing or public sectors.
• Experience supporting membership organisations, networks or representative bodies.
• Knowledge of charitable housing, almshouses or community housing.
• Experience with websites, social media or CRM systems.
• Understanding of government policy-making or stakeholder engagement.

Why Volunteer With Us?

By volunteering with The Almshouse Association and Charity Housing Alliance, you'll become part of a growing movement helping to strengthen and champion charitable housing across England and Wales.

In return, you'll benefit from:

• A welcoming and supportive team environment.
• Opportunities to develop new skills and build experience.
• Exposure to housing, charity and public policy issues.
• The chance to work alongside sector leaders and housing organisations.
• A laptop for use in the role and reimbursement of agreed reasonable expenses.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to organisations providing affordable homes and community support across the country.

Help Shape Aspire Oxfordshire's Next 25 Years

As Aspire Oxfordshire approaches its 25th anniversary, we are looking for new Trustees to help shape the next chapter of our journey.

For almost 25 years, Aspire has supported people across Oxfordshire experiencing homelessness, poverty and disadvantage to build safer, healthier and more independent lives. Through supported accommodation, employment and training, homelessness prevention and personalised support, we help people create lasting change.

As we look ahead, we have ambitious plans to grow our impact, strengthen partnerships, increase fundraising and continue delivering high-quality, person-centred services. We are seeking passionate, values-led individuals to join our Board and help guide our future.

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership, constructive challenge and oversight, working alongside fellow Trustees and our Executive Leadership Team to ensure Aspire remains well governed, financially sustainable and focused on delivering the greatest possible impact.

Previous Trustee experience is not essential. We welcome people who share our values, bring professional expertise and want to make a positive difference. A full induction and ongoing support will be provided.

We are particularly interested in people with experience in:

Fundraising, Communications and Social Media
Helping diversify income, build supporter engagement and raise Aspire's profile.

Charity Governance and Employment
Knowledge of the charity sector, governance, HR or employment law to support good governance and organisational development.

Social Housing and Welfare
Experience of housing, homelessness, welfare benefits or housing policy to strengthen our understanding of the sector and the people we support.

Charity Finance and Risk Management
Experience in finance, accountancy, audit or risk management to support effective financial oversight and long-term sustainability.

As a Trustee you will:

• Help shape Aspire's strategic direction.
• Ensure strong governance, compliance and financial sustainability.
• Provide independent support and constructive challenge.
• Act in the best interests of the charity and the people we support.
• Champion Aspire and help strengthen partnerships and opportunities.

Time Commitment

The role is voluntary and designed to fit alongside professional and personal commitments.

Trustees will typically attend:

• Four hybrid Board meetings each year.
• Four online meetings each year as a member of one Board sub-committee.
• Occasional additional meetings or events where appropriate.

Why Join Aspire?

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference while helping shape the future of an ambitious and growing charity. You'll work alongside an experienced and supportive Board, helping more people secure safe housing, employment and independence.

Aspire Oxfordshire is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We believe a diverse Board leads to stronger governance and better outcomes for the communities we serve.

Join us as we celebrate 25 years of changing lives—and help shape the next 25 years.

If you are passionate about making a difference and would like to use your skills and experience to support a growing local charity, we would love to hear from you.

Whether this is your first Trustee role or you are an experienced Board member, if you share our values and believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build a safe, independent and fulfilling life, we encourage you to apply.

Together, we can help shape Aspire Oxfordshire's next 25 years.

St Basils is looking for a new Non-Exec Director / Trustee with Marketing & Communications experience to join our Board

About Us

St Basils works with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, to enable them to find and keep a home, grow their confidence, develop their skills, increase opportunities and ultimately prevent homelessness.

We help just over 4,000 young people each year across the West Midlands, with services in Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Our services range from providing supported accommodation to outreach, advice, support, employability and engagement services to help young people regain the stability they need to rebuild their lives, gain skills, confidence and employment and move on. The aim is to help them successfully break the ‘cycle of homelessness’ so that they can go on to experience a bright, fulfilling future and never return to a state where they are at risk of homelessness again.

About our Board

We are a registered provider of social housing, a charity and a company limited by guarantee, meaning our Board members are both Directors and Trustees.

To navigate our challenging regulatory landscape, we need to be tightly governed. At the heart of this is a Board with the right knowledge, values, skills and diversity, all whilst working towards our vision that homelessness should not be part of growing up.

As a member of St Basils’ Board, you will be a guardian of St Basils’ charitable purpose. You will be responsible for holding the Senior Leadership Team to account through constructive challenge and support, and for ensuring St Basils’ strategic priorities are met.

You will form part of St Basils’ governance framework, providing oversight of key business areas, such as business planning, safeguarding, risk, finance, health and safety, EDI and business development. 

Our Board is made up of 14 members, 2 of which are designated for young people who have lived experience of homelessness and / or St Basils’ services.

St Basils has adopted the RACE Equality Code and is actively seeking applications from those from Black communities to ensure our Board is reflective of both the young people that we serve and our dedicated workforce.

About the Role

We are looking for a voluntary Director / Trustee with expertise in marketing, communications and/or public engagement to increase the reach of our campaigns. Our new Board member will need to strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to open doors and build relationships.

As our Marketing & Communications Board Member, you will:

· Ensure marketing initiatives align with the organisation’s goals and regulatory requirements.

· Support St Basils’ PR and marketing initiatives by bringing knowledge of current marketing tools

· Help identify opportunities to increase the visibility and impact of St Basils’ campaigns.

· Leverage personal and professional networks to enhance the charity’s reach, partnerships and fundraising potential.

· Work closely with the Director of Income Generation & Value Capture to ensure St Basils’ marketing and communications strategies are being implemented effectively.

• Contribute to trustee discussions and decisions on broader charity strategy, risk management and financial oversight.

Our new Director / Trustee will sit on our Business Support & Audit Committee which oversees central functions, including Finance, HR, Fundraising and Marketing. This committee meets virtually, one a quarter.

Although the role is voluntary, reasonable expenses will be paid for costs incurred in undertaking the role.

About You

You will be an experienced professional in marketing, communications, PR or brand strategy, ideally with experience in the youth or homelessness sectors.

You will demonstrate sound judgement and be able to challenge confidently and constructively, although you do not need to have Board experience.

Understanding of governance and the responsibilities of a charity trustee is desirable, but training will be provided.

You will work within the principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and understand the needs of the diverse young people we serve.

You will put the needs of young people first, be passionate about ending youth homelessness and share our mission, vision and principles.

Time Commitment

You will need to be able to attend the majority of Board and Committee meetings, one of each is held each quarter (8 meetings total per year). Each meeting will last around 2 hours and will normally be held late afternoon/early evening (usually 4pm – 6pm). Board meetings are held in person at St Basils’ Head Office in Birmingham, and Committee meetings are held virtually via Microsoft Teams. The dates for meetings are set by calendar year, towards the end of the previous year.

Meeting papers will be shared via an online portal one week in advance of the meeting to allow for sufficient preparation time.

A Board away day is held each year, usually October, and every other year this includes an overnight stay. This will be fully paid for by St Basils.

We encourage Board members to visit our accommodation services to deepen understanding of our work and support effective governance and decision-making. We would like all Board members to make 2 visits a year if possible.

All travel expenses incurred in attending Board meetings / conducting site visits will be reimbursed by St Basils.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a series of essential online training courses (for example GDPR, Cyber Security, EDI, Safeguarding, Risk Management) and the opportunity to do additional online or in-person training, such as Psychologically Informed Environment training. As part of our commitment to race equality, we provide mandatory Anti-Racism training for all staff and Board members.

You will be part of a knowledgeable and supportive Board and have the opportunity to work alongside young people with lived experience.

You will have the guidance of a knowledgeable Chair to support your development as a Director / Trustee, and you will have access to St Basils’ Senior Leadership Team to help you fulfil your role.

St Basils is a learning organisation and therefore we are able to support and develop Board members who are new to the role. In addition, St Basils has membership with the Board Development Agency, which provides our Board Members with access to webinars and development tools specific to housing sector Boards.

Being a Director / Trustee at St Basils is more than just attending meetings – if you would like to contribute to an organisation that has young people at its core, where you can visibly see the difference you are making, then this is the role for you.

For further information please see the link to the full job pack.

We welcome early applications and will interview on a rolling basis.

Fashion Hub Volunteer 

Could you support sustainable fashion and help raise funds to end unfit housing and homelessness? 

Will you become part of our Sunderland Warehouse team and make a meaningful difference?

Join our warehouse team and play a hands-on role in giving quality clothing a second life. You’ll help sort and prepare donations from well-known retail brands, supporting sustainable fashion while raising vital funds to tackle unfit housing and homelessness. This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience in garment handling and warehouse operations, perfect for anyone interested in fashion, retail, or behind-the-scenes logistics. 

We can’t make the most of donated clothing without people to help us sort and prepare it with care. If you’d like to be part of that, we’d love to hear from you 

Location: Shelter Warehouse, 244-246 High Street West, Sunderland

Suggested contribution: It’s up to you! Volunteers can support for a few hours a day, or a few days a week.

Availability: Our warehouse is open Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm

If you can give even a few hours during any of these times, we’d really love to hear from you.

Interested? You can visit our warehouse to find out more or apply online and we’ll be in touch. 

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details. 

Shop volunteering helps fight the housing emergency by raising vital funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support for people who are experiencing bad housing and homelessness, as well as powering us to campaign for change. 

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering.

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity.

Your skills and experience

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. It doesn’t matter if you’ve not volunteered or worked in a warehouse before. What’s most important is that you are a team player, willing to learn and want to make a difference in tackling the housing emergency while gaining warehouse or logistic experience.

Supporting you

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook.

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences. 

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance. 

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders.

Next steps

• You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us or speak to someone at the shop. 

• We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.